Robert Katzin Obituary

Robert Katzin passed away on Sunday, January 20th at 8:58 a.m. in his home surrounded by family and friends. Bob was born on April 14, 1940 in Chicago, Illinois.

At 8 years old, Bob picked up his brother's drumsticks and from that time forward, music and percussion were his passion and life purpose. He graduated from the University of Miami with a B.A. in Music in 1963 and received his M.A. in Music Education from UCLA in 1963. Bob was in the Trojan Marching Band in 1965 playing in the Rose Bowl Parade.

In 1977, Bob moved to Durango with his family. He was the Band Director at Miller and Smiley Schools and the Durango High School. He led the Durango HS Concert and Cadet Band, was in a Dixieland Band and participated in the orchestra for the Henry Strater Theater shows.

In June, 1979 he opened up Katzin Music with Ruth Katzin. It was an active and thriving part of the Durango musical community for 39 years!

Bob participated in many community bands. He played in the North Shore Concert Band in Chicago, Illinois, the Southwest Civic Winds in Durango, the Great Western Rocky Mountain Brass Band in Silverton, the Star of the North Concert Band in Minnesota and the Tucson Concert Band.

Bob's favorite quote was: "To fulfill your dreams, you have to wake up." He was a gentle and kind man with a wonderful sense of humor who was devoted to his family. He loved Star Trek, astronomy, history, politics, movies, going out to eat and traveling.

Bob is survived by his loving wife, Judy, his daughter and son-in-law, Peggy and Dan Leek, his step-children, Cathie and Scott Duncan, Jim and Leah Gillaspy, Cindy Gillaspy and his grandchildren, Samantha, Alan, Elizabeth, Alison, Anastasia, Josh, Sarah and James.

There will be an intimate funeral for his family this Sunday, with a Memorial Celebration of Life Service in May. The family asks to please send donations to:

Hospice of Mercy, 175 Mercado St., #131, Durango, CO 81301.